Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has called on Congress to pass a regular defense funding bill and avoid a six-month stopgap resolution, citing concerns for US national security.

What’s the deal: In letters to top congressional lawmakers, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged them to pass regular defense funding instead of relying on a long-term continuing resolution, which is a temporary stopgap to keep the government funded at current levels.

What Secretary Austins said: In his letters, Secretary Austin wrote, “The repercussions of Congress failing to pass regular appropriations legislation for the first half of FY 2025 would be devastating to our readiness and ability to execute the National Defense Strategy.” Secretary Austin continued, “I am fully aware of the political pressures that will challenge the Congress from fulfilling its duty before our national elections conclude. No matter who wins this election, there will be a Presidential transition. I urge you and your colleagues to take up action immediately after the election to limit damage to our national security during this vulnerable period around transitions and uphold the bipartisan tradition of funding our nation’s defense prior to the inauguration of a new President.”

Digging Deeper: If Congress fails to pass a full appropriations bill by January, the Pentagon will lose a significant amount of money from its overall budget. Under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, if a continuing resolution extends beyond that date, discretionary spending for national security could be automatically reduced by 1% from fiscal year 2023 levels, potentially slashing $42 billion from the Pentagon’s FY 2025 budget request.